Indian Sojourn: Mumbai to Delhi by Deccan Odyssey Train

The Tour

Explore Rajasthan aboard the Deccan Odyssey, taking in some of India’s major highlights. Begin in bustling Mumbai, continuing through northern India, with stops in Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra and Jaipur, before arriving into Delhi. This is a perfect introduction to India, with the staff of the Deccan Odyssey tending to your every need along the way.

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The Itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai to VadodaraBoard the Deccan Odyssey at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station and begin your magical journey from Mumbai to Vadodara.

Day 2: VadodaraToday you arrive in Vadodara, capital of the Gaekwads, located along the banks of the seasonal Vishwamitri River.

Have breakfast on board the Deccan Odyssey and then disembark for a visit to Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only complete and virtually unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. Marvel at the Jami Masjid (Great Mosque), built in 1513 and representing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

After your visit, return to the train for lunch on board. Then drive to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which contains a collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and European Masters.

Enjoy high tea at the Laxmi Vilas Palace and a folk performance in the grand Durbar Hall before returning to the train for dinner.

Day 3: UdaipurRoll into Udaipur, the romantic City of Lakes, as you enjoy breakfast on the train.

Disembark and visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and the home of the spectacular Crystal Gallery. Later, board a boat to ride across Lake Pichola before heading back to the train for lunch.

After a brief afternoon rest aboard the train, embark on a walking tour through the old city of Udaipur during which you can sample a wide variety of handicrafts in the markets.

Dinner is served on the Deccan Odyssey as it travels to Jodhpur.

Day 4: JodhpurHave breakfast on board and soak up the striking scenery of the Thar Desert as you arrive in Jodhpur.

This morning, you have several options before having lunch on board. Relax on board the Deccan Odyssey (note: spa treatments are at additional cost) or choose an optional visit to the weavers’ village, potters’ village, and the village of the Bishnoi tribe (at additional cost). You may also enjoy the spa facilities at a hotel.

After lunch, tour the city of Jodhpur and experience the Old Clock Tower Market and charming old havelis – traditional Indian town houses and mansions. Then visit the Mehrangarh Fort.

After the tour, enjoy a sumptuous Marwar barbecue in the fort’s complex, which offers spectacular views of the city.

Day 5: Sawai Madhopur & Ranthambore National ParkSawai Madhopur in Rajasthan is the alighting point for the famous Ranthambore National Park, where India is working to conserve its dwindling tiger population.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a village tour. The friendly folk who live in the villages of Rajasthan are warm, welcoming and happy to show guests around their villages. The women here wear bright colors to offset the drab desert, and most people live in mud huts. Visit a local home and share time with the family.

After lunch, set out for an afternoon safari in Ranthambore, one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. If you’re very lucky, you might spot one of the rare tigers in the area.

The park is also home to several other species. Keep an eye out for herds of Chital and Sambhar deer, as well as wild boar, Nilgai antelope, chinkara gazelles, sloth bears, leopards and crocodiles.

Extensive bird life includes jungle fowl, partridges, quail, the crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers, among others. At the lakes and waterholes, look for water birds such as storks, ducks and geese.

After your safari, proceed for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the hunting lodge of the former royal family of Jaipur, before returning to the train for dinner.

Day 6: AgraEnjoy a leisurely morning on board before arriving into the Mughal citadel of Agra. Disembark after breakfast to visit the iconic Taj Mahal, the exquisite white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Lunch is served at a city hotel.

After lunch, continue to Itmad-ud-Daulah. Sometimes called “Baby Taj,” this mausoleum was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg. Later, visit Agra Fort, another outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Then visit the local markets to admire the marble-inlayed Pietra Dura artifacts. Alternately, enjoy the luxurious spa facilities at a local hotel (at additional cost).

In the evening, return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner.

Day 7: JaipurArrive in the “Pink City” of Jaipur, the historic capital of Rajasthan. Explore the forts and palaces of this beautiful city, including the Palace of Winds, Amber Fort and the famous City Palace of Jaipur. Also marvel at Jantar Mantar, the fascinating astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh.

After lunch at a city hotel, choose either to enjoy spa facilities at a palace hotel or to explore the colorful bazaars of Jaipur, which offer a wide selection of locally produced handicrafts (spa and shopping visits are optional and at additional cost).

Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner.

Day 8: Delhi
After an early, light breakfast, disembark in Delhi and bid farewell to your fellow passengers and fabulous train staff.